Ademola Lookman eyes history as Atletico battle Sociedad in Copa del Rey final

Ademola Lookman is on the verge of writing his name into Spanish football history as Atletico Madrid take on Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey final at Estadio de La Cartuja.

Atletico head into the showdown targeting a record-extending 11th Copa del Rey title, while Real Sociedad are aiming for just their fourth crown, with both sides arriving in Seville in contrasting form.

Diego Simeone’s men also remain active in Europe, having reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals despite a 2-1 second-leg defeat to Barcelona, progressing 3-2 on aggregate to set up a clash with Arsenal.

However, Atletico have not lifted the Copa del Rey since the 2012/13 season, when they defeated Real Madrid 2-1, and will be eager to end a decade-long wait for the trophy.

For Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta in January, the final offers a chance to crown an outstanding debut spell with silverware. The 28-year-old Super Eagles winger has registered six goals and four assists in 17 appearances, quickly becoming a key figure in Simeone’s system.

Since arriving at the Metropolitano, the Super Eagles star has been a revelation following his €35 million move. Victory for Atletico Madrid would see Lookman become only the second Nigerian to win the Copa del Rey, joining Emmanuel Amuneke, who achieved the feat with Barcelona in 1997.

Lookman played a decisive role in Atletico’s semi-final triumph over Barcelona, scoring and assisting in a dominant 4-0 first-leg victory in Madrid. Although Atletico lost the return leg 3-0, they advanced 4-3 on aggregate, with his early contributions proving crucial.

He also made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Real Betis and adding another goal in the emphatic win over Barcelona. In the Copa del Rey, he has contributed two goals and two assists in just three appearances, underlining his influence in the competition.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, arrive determined to add to their three previous titles after a solid league campaign and will view the final as a prime opportunity to secure silverware.